Government 'likely to miss' 2025 target for fibre broadband in every home

Social Market Foundation report says problems over pricing and remote areas must be addressed

The government's ambition to level up" the nation by providing next-generation fibre broadband to every home by 2025 is likely to be missed, unless issues including pricing and concrete plans on reaching remote towns and villages are addressed, according to a new report.

Addressing the UK's status as a global laggard in rolling out gigabit speed broadband was a key promise of Boris Johnson's election manifesto. The huge demand for reliable, high-speed internet connections as millions moved to home working during the coronavirus pandemic has added further impetus to hit that target. Only 14% of UK homes have access to full-fibre broadband, compared with up to 80% in many developed countries.